Management of University of the Virgin Islands Visits UG to Explore Partnership Opportunities
The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, welcomed a delegation from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening international collaboration in research, academic programmes and innovation in areas such as entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism.
The visit formed part of UVI’s efforts to expand its global partnerships with the university, identifying UG as a key institution for long-term cooperation.
Prof. Asante highlighted UG’s governance structure, including the collegiate system of governance and the university’s role in supporting national policy. He also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its five strategic priorities; transformative student experience, impactful research, commitment to faculty and staff, partnerships and engagement and partnerships as well as sustainable resource mobilisation and stewardship.
He further explained the university’s research strategy, which identifies seven multidisciplinary priority areas including infectious and non-communicable diseases, food systems, climate adaptation, development policy, socio-cultural change, creative arts and the use of the Fourth Industrial Revolution tools.
The UVI President, Dr. Safiya George, provided an overview of her institution, established in 1962 and recognised for its strong Afro-Caribbean heritage. She noted the university’s remarkable research strengths in coral reef restoration, marine science, climate and environmental studies, as well as agricultural innovation such as hydroponics and crop diversity research.
“UVI also receives significant support from the U.S. National Institutes of Health for health disparities research,” Dr. George stated.
She added that the university is expanding its innovation portfolio, having developed its own AI-powered submarine for marine research and a growing focus on data science, artificial intelligence and intellectual property development.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Koduah, shared information about the increasing postgraduate programmes on offer, as well as various courses run by the School’s departments. He also spoke about UGBS’ research culture and expressed readiness to partner with UVI, particularly in business, management and entrepreneurship training.
The Dean of UVI’s School of Business, Dr. Kendra L. Harris, outlined three pillars guiding her school’s strategic direction: entrepreneurship, professional development and artificial intelligence. She indicated that these areas align with global workforce demands and emphasised the university’s commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving labour market.
The Director of Hospitality and Tourism at UVI, Dr. Nathan Austin, also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in hospitality training, noting the potential for exchange programmes between the two institutions given the Caribbean region’s dependence on tourism.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdul Karim Hatsu, UG Council Member; Prof. David Dodoo Arhin, Director of the Research and Innovation Directorate; Prof. Nancy Quashie, Deputy Director of the Research and Innovation Directorate and Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of Public Affairs.